Lincolnshire Police have issued 983 coronavirus-related fines during the pandemic while forces in England and Wales had processed a total of 118,963 fixed penalty notices by December 19 last year.
The latest data was released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) this month and covers the period between March 27, 2020 and December 19, 2021.
Coronavirus-related fines issued by Lincolnshire Police have included 10 to a group who gathered in an abandoned building near Louth, and eight given out after three house parties in the Ermine area of Lincoln.
Breach of first and second, and local lockdown regulations – 237
Local COVID-19 alert levels – 2
Hold a gathering of more than 30 people – 3
Breach of national lockdown regulations – 88
All tiers – 578
Steps (relating to gatherings, participation in gatherings and business closures) – 23
Face coverings regulations (public transport and relevant place) – 32
International travel regulations – 13
Business regulations – 5
Self-isolation regulations – 2
Back in January 2021 it was revealed Lincolnshire Police had issued 576 fines, meaning in the months that followed the figure rose by another 407. The initial figure of 576 fines released by Lincolnshire Police was prior to any review by the force. After being reviewed 86 fines were withdrawn, including one of £10,000 issued to a student for allegedly organising a party of up to 100 people.
Jemma Peacock, communications and media advisor at Lincolnshire Police, said: “The numbers of fines issued now are extremely low and this reflects the national legislation around COVID and the expectation of policing to enforce only when necessary, and we’re happy to report that the numbers of people breaching any existing COVID regulations for which they could be fined are very low.”
During the same period (March 27, 2020 to December 19, 2021) Humberside Police gave out 655 coronavirus fines. The force said it sends reports of allegations of breaches of COVID legislation to ACRO (Criminal Records Office) which administers and despatches the fixed penalties.
The force previously issued statements when earlier data was released, but when asked by The Lincolnite for a response to the most recent figures on coronavirus fines they declined the opportunity to give one.
Meanwhile, as part of the same data the NPCC revealed a January 10, 2022 snapshot of UK officer and staff absence rate. The national absence rate for officers and all staff, across all of UK policing, stands at 9.4%. However, the NPCC does not provide force level breakdowns of this data.
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Two men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property after being stopped by our roads crime team on the A180 yesterday (Tuesday 24 May).
A suspect vehicle was spotted on the eastbound M180 and was brought safely to a stop on the A180 near Croxton.
It is reported that a large amount of cash, cigarettes and tobacco was uncovered.
Both men remain in our custody at this time whilst our investigations continue.
An independent county councillor in Boston has been named as the new chairman of Lincolnshire County Council.
Councillor Alison Austin was elected into the role at the annual general meeting of the full council on Friday, May 20, along with new vice chairman Councillor Robert Reid.
Councillor Austin has served as an independent county ward member for Boston South since May 2013, winning re-election on May 6, 2021.
She will be supported in her role throughout the term by her husband and chairman’s consort, Richard Austin.
Councillor Austin said: “I feel immensely honoured and privileged to be elected as chairman of the county council. I’ve always held a strong sense of community service, and I will continue promoting positive change across Lincolnshire as chairman.
“Amongst my first duties, will be participating in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. This will be a great opportunity to not only recognise the achievements of our longstanding monarch, but also to give communities the opportunity to come together and mark a return to normality after a difficult couple of years.
“As part of moving on from COVID, I want to focus on the future during my time in office. I look forward to supporting the training and development of residents county-wide. We need to ensure we have a highly skilled workforce so that we can attract and retain businesses in Lincolnshire.”
As part of her duties, Councillor Austin has selected homeless and vulnerable people charity Centrepoint Outreach as one of her chosen organisations to support during her time in office.
She has been a volunteer at Centrepoint Outreach for several years and will continue to support the organisation in this new role.